When a voltage source is connected to a diode such that the positive side of the voltage source is on the anode and the negative side is on the cathode the diode becomes a conductor and allows current to flow. The diode circuit symbol with the anode and cathode marked. You should never use the terms anode or cathode to describe the structural parts of a zener diode for the same reason you should not use such terms for the structure of a rechargeable battery. Like a typical diode there is a fixed anode and cathode in a zener diode but it will conduct current in the reverse direction electrons flow from anode to cathode if its breakdown voltage or zener voltage is exceeded. The anode and cathode are defined by the flow of current.Ĭurrent through a diode can only flow from the anode to the cathode which would explain why its important for a diode to be connected in the correct direction. In the general sense current refers to any movement of electrical charge. Anode and cathode refer to function not structure. Anode is the electrode at which current leaves the cell and where oxidation takes place while cathode is the electrode at which current enters the cell and reduction takes place.ĭiode anode and cathode.
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